Boosting employee morale is one of the most important skills a business executive can have. Studies show that well-treated, happy employees not only decrease the likelihood of turnover, but they also increase the company’s level of success. Consider the following suggestions for creating a work atmosphere that makes employees feel valued and respected.
Promote a Family/Work Balance
Today’s busy world has many people feeling pulled in multiple directions. Balancing family and work responsibilities can be especially challenging, and being empathetic to this struggle can make you a more effective supervisor.
Try to be reasonable with the amount of work you assign. Also, let your employees know that you understand the struggle, and when possible, be flexible with work schedules and deadlines. By respecting their personal lives, your employees will likely feel more valued. This can reduce turnover, saving your company both time and money in the long run.
Provide Positive Recognition to Employees
Positive recognition is a low-cost method that can make a big impact. Studies show that when employees feel valued, everybody wins. The workers themselves feel better, and the company benefits from the resulting increase in engagement and productivity. Further, workers feel more loyal to the company and are less inclined to quit.
Keep Open Lines of Communication
Communication is a two-way street, and keeping the lines open in both directions can help employees feel more valued. Because everyone wants to feel like part of a team, it’s imperative that your employees understand the company’s mission and be kept abreast of important decisions and developments.
On the flip side, employees also like to know that you value their input. Make sure you express openness to feedback and encourage your staff to freely communicate any concerns they have. Even better, schedule regular meetings to elicit input. This creates an atmosphere of trust and respect.
The morale of your employees is important to the success of your company. By letting your employees know you respect their input, understand their struggles and value their contribution, you can create a happy work environment in which employees can thrive.